Karelian Group
[12][10][13] On 27 February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an announcement declaring the establishment of an international fighting force to assist in defending the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine amidst the Russian invasion.It was mentioned that there were several requirements for volunteers to join the unit, these consisted of good health, no problems with substances or alcohol, a devotion to traditional "Nordic values", and a desire to achieve Karelian independence from the Russian Federation, as well as a desire to contribute to the victory over the so-called "terrorist regime" of Russian President Vladimir Putin.The initial emblem adopted by the unit was on January 19, 2023, and was uploaded to their Telegram channel; it featured a circular chevron with a Viking ship in the middle.This rendition featured a simplified design, retaining the Karelian colours but omitting the Viking ship and other Nordic patterns and insignia.[23][24] It had been observed by Iltalehti, a Finnish tabloid, that engaging in Karelian activism and nationalism may carry severe legal consequences for those involved.In addition to this, expressions of support for Ukraine and the involvement in activities perceived as hindering "Russia's actions" may escalate resulting in a sentence of up to 20 years.[25] On 9 November 2023, the Russian Volunteer Corps was involved in the assassination of a Federal Security Service Lieutenant Colonel in Bryansk Oblast.The unit destroyed a Russian Ural military truck carrying personnel, the news was confirmed by a non-verified source in the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence Service.In a notable photograph, activists affiliated with the Karelian National Movement are depicted wearing combat gear and holding Kalashnikov rifles while proudly displaying the flag of Karelia.
KarelianForeign volunteerbattalionLight infantryInformation warfareActivismRussian Volunteer CorpsRusso-Ukrainian WarRussian invasion of UkraineEastern Ukraine campaignBattle of Avdiivka2023 Belgorod incursionsMarch 2024 Western Russia incursion2024 Kharkiv offensiveUkrainianromanizedUkrainian Armed ForcesKareliansBaltic-Finnic peoplesRepublic of KareliaRussiaUkrainian PresidentVolodymyr ZelenskyyKarelian National MovementRevolution of DignityEuromaidanKarelia"occupied Karelia"Nordic valuesRussian FederationRussian PresidentVladimir PutinUkki VäinämöinenEast Karelian uprisingBolshevik RussiaTelegram channelViking shipAcademic Karelia SocietyCyrillicThe Moscow TimesFinlandUkraina MolodaWinter WarSoviet UnionArmed Forces of FinlandUkrainian People's ArmyYuriy Gorlis-GorskyIltalehtitabloidPolishGerman Volunteer CorpsFederal Security ServiceBryansk OblastMain Directorate of Intelligence ServiceAzov BattalionIngriaimprisonmentprosecutionKalashnikov riflesflag of KareliaIngrian Finnishcombat operationsKursk OblastBelgorod OblastSeparatism in RussiaAttacks in Russia during the Russian invasion of UkraineRusich GroupInternational Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine1st International Legion2nd International Legion3rd International LegionCanadian-Ukrainian BrigadeDzhokhar Dudayev BattalionKarelian National BattalionNorman BrigadePahonia RegimentSeparate Special Purpose BattalionFreedom of Russia LegionSpecial Operations Forces (Ukraine)Ukrainian volunteer battalionsArmed ForcesTerritorial defence battalions22nd "Kharkiv"24th "Aidar"34th "Batkivshchyna"42nd "Rukh Oporu"39th "Dnipro-2"5th "Prykarpattya"40th "Kryvbas"Special Tasks Patrol Police"Dnipro-1""Mykolaiv""Poltava""Kharkiv""Azov""Cascade""Kyiv-1""Sich""Poltavshchyna""St. Mary's"National Guard"Donbas""Dzhokhar Dudayev""Kastuś Kalinoŭski""Noman Çelebicihan""Sheikh Mansur"Ukrainian Volunteer Corps"Pechersk""Pahonia"Tactical group "Belarus"Ukrainian Volunteer Army"Hospitallers""Freedom of Russia""Resistance Committee""Polish Volunteer Corps"Georgian Legion"Carpathian Sich"AerorozvidkaSeparatistautonomist movements2024 Bashkortostan protests2022 North Caucasian protests2022 Russian Far East protests2020 Kashtau mountain protests2018–2019 Ingushetia protestsBelarusian and Russian partisan movement (2022–present)